Help Identifying Mabie Todd "wartime" Swan

[Synnove]

Just purchased this neat Mabie Todd for too much money :http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-SWAN-MABIE-TODD-FOUNTAIN-PEN-INSCRIPTION-MADE-IN-USA-DURING-WAR-/301683364641

 

I'm hoping the slim shape and long tines equate to a very fine and flexible nib *fingers crossed*.

 

In any case, does anyone here have an idea as to which model of pen this could be? It's a screw cap Swan made during the first World War, most likely an eye dropper as there isn't a lever, under only feed, and has the "safety pen" & '04 patent markings.

 

I figured it might be the sort featured in this ad: http://www.amazon.com/Mabie-Safety-Fountain-Writing-Instrument/dp/B00N53OTZQ , but those models usually say "safety screw cap" on the barrel.

 

Any help is appreciated : ).

Edited July 20, 2015 by Synnove

[Biber]

I'm hoping the slim shape and long tines equate to a very fine and flexible nib *fingers crossed*.

I'd bet that's good assessment. Hope it's what you expect it to be.

Edited July 21, 2015 by Biber

[Cob]

Yes it's a No 2 Safety Screw Cap pen - the later type - earlier ones had a gold overfeed; it is a n eye-dropper.

 

I have one at the moment; it has a gold cap band and is stamped on the barrel: The Swan Safety Screw Cap, Made in England; no overfeed and a ladder feed beneath the nib as yours probably has. The nib on mine (MT NY) is a flexible stub; yours will probably be a delightful flexible conventional nib.

 

Cob

[Synnove]

Ah, so it is a safety screw cap! The Swans I'd seen identified as safety screw caps had it engraved on the barrel, so I assumed this was another variation.

 

Would you advise any special instruction when cleaning the pen? Best way to remove the feed and nib? I've never dealt with a hard rubber pen before (only plastic or metal), and have heard conflicting things about water exposure (how does one clean the section without water?).

[Cob]

Ah, so it is a safety screw cap! The Swans I'd seen identified as safety screw caps had it engraved on the barrel, so I assumed this was another variation.

 

Would you advise any special instruction when cleaning the pen? Best way to remove the feed and nib? I've never dealt with a hard rubber pen before (only plastic or metal), and have heard conflicting things about water exposure (how does one clean the section without water?).

That's right, they usually do, but almost anything is possible with Mabie Todd!

 

If it can be avoided it is best to leave the feed and nib undisturbed; obviously this depends on the state of it; if it is encrusted then cleaning will be necessary. You will probably find that the inner end of the feed is pointed; this means that tapping it out is fraught with danger. Soaking BHR in water means discolouration I'm afraid, no way around it..

 

Now the sections are quite thin and easily cracked. I suggest you buy a rubber bulb and flush the section through with water until it runs clean - unless it is blocked in which case nothing will run at all!). If dismantling is necessary then the safest way is to hold the nib and heat up the section with a hairdryer; you may have to do this several times. Then carefully attempt to "wiggle out" the nib and feed. You may find that the section will distort if you apply rather too much heat; this is not a problem: re-heating will cause the section to return to its original shape. If this doesn't work then (if the feed inner end is pointed) you will somehow have to make an inverse conical drift so, using a knock-out block the feed may be removed by tapping.

 

When the nib and feed are out you may clean the inside of the section using water on a cotton wool bud, or if this is too big, pipe cleaners.

 

Best of luck

 

Cob

Edited July 21, 2015 by Cob

[sidthecat]

So you're the one!

 

Best of luck with it.

[Synnove]

Ah! Indeed I must be. I was curious why this pen instigated a bidding war; the rubber is rather discolored and has no clip nor fittings... very plain looking. I must not have been the only one to have noticed the tines on that nib!

 

I'll be sure to update this thread with when I receive it : ).

[Ispriluc]

Well? Is it flexible?

[sidthecat]

The nib looked gorgeous, and I believe I questioned the dealer about it. I'm sure you'll give it a good home.

[Greenie]

I was bidding as well. The historical imprint was the cool thing to me. I also was bidding on the historically interesting Trench Pen a couple of weeks back with the compartment for the ink pellets, but that also went higher than I wanted to go.

[Goudy]

The nib looked gorgeous, and I believe I questioned the dealer about it.

 

Did your question relate to the possible crease/crack to the right of the vent hole? I think that was the reason I held back.

[sidthecat]

I believe I asked him if he'd done the thumbnail test for flex, since that's my particular addiction.

Is it bent, if that isn't too personal?